Deadline nearing in Milwaukee archdiocese bankruptcy

(MILWAUKEE) Almost twelve months after the Milwaukee Catholic Archdiocese filed for bankruptcy, a major milepost in the case is approaching.

Federal bankruptcy Judge Susan Kelley has given people who say they were sexually abused by Milwaukee Archdiocese clergy members until February 1 to file a confidential claim in the bankruptcy case. John Pilmaier heads the Wisconsin chapter of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, or SNAP. Pilmaier says now’s the time to come forward.

Pilmaier says once the so-called bar date of February 1 passes, Judge Kelley will consider those claims, the tens of millions of dollars of other financial liabilities the Archdiocese has, and the church’s assets. The Archdiocese is expected to try to get some claims thrown out and try to block claims involving abuse by clergy from religious orders.

In another key development since the Chapter 11 filing last January, Two former top church officials had to answer questions under oath about child abuse in the archdiocese. Pilmaier says he hopes that testimony will eventually be released.

The Archdiocese declined comment for this story, saying it prefers to talk closer to the February 1 bar date.